The benefits of having bodybuilding as a hobby are so numerous that it’s a little daunting to even start this article. Admittedly, I might be a little biased, but there are just so many great things about bodybuilding. Note that I am not even talking about hardcore, competition-level bodybuilding; I am only referring to the basics of sculpting one’s body for the better.Bodybuilding is open to all ages and experience levelsI can’t think of a single other hobby that has this many health benefits but yet is still open to all ages and experience levels. Everybody, from teenagers on up to the elderly, can get started in bodybuilding with nothing more than a desire to make a positive change in health and physique. You don’t have to be big or fit, tall, experienced or even athletically gifted in the slightest to take up bodybuilding as a hobby.No experience is necessary, although it does help to educate yourself a little for safety and efficiency reasons. It doesn’t matter if you’re already in great shape or if you’re on your final leg; the world of bodybuilding welcomes you with open arms.There are few hobbies that are this open to complete newbies. If you walk into a gym without the slightest clue of what to do or where to start, there are people there who are more than happy to give you tips and point you in the right direction. People who work out at the gym are generally friendly and are glad to see new people who are willing to work and learn.On top of that, you don’t have to worry about being judged in the gym. It doesn’t matter if you’re the skinniest, strongest, fattest or leanest person in there because everyone is in the gym for the same purpose: to improve their health and/or aesthetics. Sometimes bigger people say they are intimidated to join a gym, but there is absolutely nothing to worry about. It’s awesome to see a big person in the gym, someone who has the courage to start a long path towards improved health and physical conditioning.Bodybuilding has numerous health benefits

The health benefits of bodybuilding are too numerous for me to discuss in full. This is especially true if you include a cardio routine in your regimen. Here are just a few benefits that come to mind:

Reduction in bad cholesterol, heart disease and obesity

Increased flexibility which results in lower likelihood of injuries in other physical endeavors

Note – If you already suffer from any disease or are at high risk for any disease, you should always talk to your doctor before you start a new exercise program. For example, physical exertion does raise the blood pressure in the short term. There are smart ways to ease your way into a healthy lifestyle – talk to qualified people before you jump right in.Bodybuilding has numerous psychological benefitsThe psychological benefits of bodybuilding are just as important as the health benefits. In fact, the psychological benefits are very closely intertwined with physical benefits. Here are just a few psychological benefits of bodybuilding and exercise:

Increased self confidence as a result of achieving goals and changing body composition

Lower levels of stress, depression and anxiety

A more successful goal-oriented lifestyle that reverberates in all aspects of life: career, family, personal happiness, etc.

Improved body image

Improved mood

Summary

If I told you I had the secret to improved health, improved happiness and that this secret worked for people of all ages, you would probably think I was a snake oil salesman. Bodybuilding has so many benefits of different types that it’s almost unbelievable.Take note again that I’m not talking about hardcore bodybuilding in which people go to extremes by taking steroids and dehydrating themselves immediately before competitions. What I am referring to by “bodybuilding” is the simple hobby of improving one’s physical shape and overall level of fitness.Bodybuilding is a hobby that is open to all ages, it’s free of judgment and it doesn’t even have to cost anything. All you need to participate in bodybuilding is desire. The only other thing that’s left is for you to take the first step.